Ravens face criticism for decision to honor controversial former player

The Baltimore Ravens are facing criticism for making the decision to honor former running back Ray Rice as a "legend of the game" on Sunday before the team hosts the Miami Dolphins. 

Rice was a star running back for the Ravens until he was released during the 2014 season following a much-publicized domestic violence incident in which he was caught on film punching his then-fiancée (and current wife) before dragging her out of an elevator. 

He was arrested for the assault and then suspended for two games by the NFL. The Ravens released him and he never played another down in the league. 

Longtime NFL writer Mike Freeman of USA Today argued that the Ravens are making "a terrible mistake" by honoring Rice.

The Ravens' reasoning for doing so is that Rice has worked to make amends for the incident and has been active in the community, including doing work with domestic violence groups. 

Said Ravens President Sashi Brown in a team statement:

"He was also consistently in the community, giving back. Importantly, after Ray's incident he owned it. On his own accord, Ray undertook critical work within himself and to bring awareness to and educate others on domestic violence. Nothing will change his past or make it right, but Ray's work has allowed him to atone for his actions and rebuild relationships personally and professionally, including with the Ravens."

Rice was also quoted as saying that he understands why he was let go by the team and that he hopes people can see where he is now and that he is no longer the same person he was 10 years ago. 

The best way for Rice to receive a second chance is to truly put in the work to correct the mistakes of his past. The Ravens insist that he has done that. But it is still going to be hard for a large percentage of the general public to accept that and take their word for it. 

Honoring him as a "legend of the game" is definitely going to raise eyebrows and open the team up to criticism given his exit from the organization (and the league).